CutCrystal

Although cut glass has been around for over 2000 years true lead crystal has only been in existence since the second half of the 17th century. English glassmaker George Ravenscroft (1618-81) while searching for a way to improve the luster and clarity of his glassware found that by adding lead oxide to his molten mixture he could not only improve the clarity (crystal clear) of the glass but dramatically increase the weight, the index of refraction and the ability to cut the material without fracturing. The importance of this discovery lead to a booming cut lead crystal market in Britain that eventually spread throughout Europe and later to America.

In the United States by the late 19th century there were over 200 cutting houses producing cut lead crystal. American demand for lead crystal was at its peak. In those days a considerable amount of wealth was required to own true cut lead crystal. The cost of a craftsman’s labor to produce an intricate piece was prohibitive to the person of average income.